Water levels in Cape Town have fallen below the halfway mark, as the City of Cape Town calls on residents to curb usage as soon as possible. 

The Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Zahid Badroodien, advised on Friday that dam levels dropped to 49,2% over the past week, prompting an “early warning phase”. 

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Badroodien said the dipping water levels raise concerns as the South African Weather Service has forecast that the rainy season would start later than usual, and the volume of rain would also be less than usual.  

“Cape Town is not in a drought, and not heading to ‘Day Zero’. However, as we are in the early warning phase, the window to avoid water restrictions before November is narrowing,” read the City of Cape Town’s 27 March statement.  

Over the past week, water consumption declined slightly to 1,022 million litres per day (MLD), down from 1,058 MLD, but this remains above the target by 47 MLD.  

Badroodien said collective efforts to conserve water would be critical in the coming weeks, especially before the last day of May. 

“… so that we have more water stored ahead of the winter rains, which is predicted to be less than average.” 

Because of the unpredictable rainfall, Badroodien added that current reserves may need to last far longer than usual. 

“The 49,2% water that we have in our dams will need to last Cape Town with supply through both this winter and possibly into next summer and 2027, depending on how much rainfall we get this year.” 

However, if current water usage trends remain, water levels may drop to 40% by May. 

“If demand remains high, the City’s options narrow and the likelihood of restrictions being introduced earlier than November, increases.” 

Residents are urged to lower usage as best they can, “whether it’s closing the tap while you are brushing your teeth, fixing the nagging cistern of your toilet, taking short-stop showers, or watering your garden early in the morning or in the evening”.  

“Team Cape Town, please keep hydrated and cool, but remember to use water wisely and responsibly in and around our homes, businesses and industries, and for essential purposes only,” Badroodien.  

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